New Switch 2 screen surfaces again, but OLED console release date seems far off

In June, Nintendo Patents Watch shared that a new LCD module appeared on Chinese marketplaces. It was the same size and resolution as the current Switch 2 screen, but manufactured by Sharp rather than Innolux. Now, the part is showing up in greater numbers, suggesting a console revision is imminent.

The new Sharp LCD panel

The social media account suspects Nintendo may be preparing to use the screen during assembly. Spotted in higher quantities, some listings describe it as V2. The circuitry differs from the existing Switch 2 screen, although it’s still 7.9 inches and supports a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Recently, the company confirmed it would introduce a revised handheld to the EU market. To comply with right-to-repair regulations, the design change lets owners replace batteries more easily. Even so, no obvious connection links the two developments.

The Sharp-branded panel could address one of the console’s shortcomings. In games with fast motion, images often become smeared. A maximum 60Hz refresh rate also doesn’t reduce blurring. Unfortunately, with familiar LCD technology, the new component is unlikely to improve performance dramatically.

A Switch 2 pro upgrade

Boasting a much faster response time, a Switch 2 OLED lurks as a significant upgrade. The strongest evidence that Nintendo may eventually release the system comes from ZDNet Korea. Samsung would reportedly supply a rigid OLED screen for smoother 1080p visuals.

Production was to begin by the end of 2026 and finish in 2027 or early 2028. That said, the recent Switch 2 price increase has already made the handheld more expensive. Amid the storage and memory shortage, Nintendo is struggling to keep costs down. An OLED refresh threatens to make the console less affordable.

An LCD screen swap could also help avoid future price hikes if the Sharp part can be stockpiled at a reasonable rate. Otherwise, a cheaper Switch 2 Lite seems more appropriate for this economic climate.